The Gorges du Val d’Enfer

Take the D85, which links the D11 to the D18. Between Izernore and the hamlet of Intriat, stop at the bend near the bridge over the Oignin and the Intriat dam. Park at the side of the D85, near the dam and the Intriat Bridge (Izernove): there are several parking options.

(S/E) Follow the path that leads into the forest, opposite the dam: yellow markings for the Tour de l’Oignin walking trail. Cross the river and then the meadow.

(1) Take the footbridge (concrete penstock) at the Saut du Torrey and continue along the path heading north.

(2) Near the Gouille de l’Enfer (no access), carry on straight ahead. When you reach a junction, turn left. About a hundred metres further on, a short detour to the left offers a view over the Trablettes hydroelectric power station below.

(3) Return via the same route.

(1) After crossing the footbridge again, a little further on you can take a short round trip by heading down the barely marked path on the left through the meadow (unmarked), which will take you down to the banks of the Oignin.

(4) Turn back and rejoin the route to the left to return to the car park (S/E).

(S/E) The Intriat Bridge: known as the ‘Bridge of Hell’, it carries the road across a stone arch 10 metres above the river.

The Oignin: a tributary of the Ain, the Oignin is the only river in the department to flow from south to north.

The old aqueduct: This is an 800-metre-long open-air canal built in the 1890s. It carried water from the old dam (now submerged) to the former Torrey power station. It also served as a washhouse for local families.

(1) The Saut du Thorrey: situated near the ruins of the first power station, built between 1895 and 1902, this waterfall is impressive during periods of high water. To cross the river, you can use the concrete penstock as a footbridge.

La Gouille de l’Enfer: from the footpath, you can hear the sound of a 10-metre-high waterfall (no access). The surrounding cliffs amplify the sound of the water.

Les Trablettes Hydroelectric Power Station: built in 1912 by the Forces de l’Oignin company, this power station – now automated – is still in operation. The water, collected by the dam, falls 60 metres through a steel penstock 1.80 metres in diameter to power the turbines.